Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waterville, OH (2025 Update)
- Waterville Solar Installation Cost: $18,269
- 25-Year Savings: $14,416
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waterville
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Waterville.
In Waterville, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Waterville is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,269 for a solar installation, or $26,125 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Waterville depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Waterville homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Waterville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waterville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,972 |
| 3 years | $-14,377 |
| 5 years | $-11,782 |
| 7 years | $-9,188 |
| 9 years | $-6,593 |
| 11 years | $-3,999 |
| 13 years | $-1,404 |
| 15 years | $1,190 |
| 17 years | $3,785 |
| 19 years | $6,380 |
| 21 years | $8,974 |
| 23 years | $11,569 |
| 25 years | $14,163 |
Top Solar Installers in Waterville
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
See all of the solar companies in Waterville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waterville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Waterville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Waterville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Waterville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Waterville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.55 | $14,895 | $7,158 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $9,927 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $12,886 | 16.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $16,036 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $19,377 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $22,908 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $26,631 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $30,545 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
EcoWatch's Waterville, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waterville?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Waterville?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.